MIRI: Four bilik at Rumah Etap Lungan, Sungai Medang in Ulu Mamut, Sibuti are still without electricity despite the rest of the longhouse already supplied with the basic amenity.
A Rumah Etap resident shows where an electricity meter is supposed to be installed.
Located 55km from here, over 20 families comprising some 150 residents moved into the longhouse in 2013.
“The electricity was installed the same year, but at that time, four families had not completed their bilik and could not move into their houses,” said Dayak Think Tank Group Miri Women’s chief Christina Kelit.
“Until today, the electricity meters for the four families have not been installed. We were told by the longhouse folk that they already highlighted the matter to the authorities concerned as well as the elected representative for the area, but until now the matter is still not resolved.”
According to committee member Embam Insol, the families are worried that untoward incidents might happen due to exposed electrical wires where the meters were supposed to be installed.
“It is very sad to see the situation faced by the affected families. They rely on candles and gasoline lamps, while their neighbours are enjoying 24-hour electricity,” he said.
He said not having basic amenities should not be happening in this day and age.
“We appeal to the authorities concerned to look into this matter and to act immediately,” he said.